Shaw Media and Insight Productions announced today that a national casting call for the first Canadian edition of the international smash-hit reality series, Big Brother, will begin on August 1, 2012. This announcement comes on the heels of Shaw Media sealing a deal with Endemol to produce the first-ever Canadian installment of the wildly popular international sensation. Canadians 19 years and older will have the option to apply online and in person at open casting calls at select cities across Canada. Online applications will be available at www.bigbrothercanada.ca. The submission deadline is October 16, 2012.

Big Brother Canada is in search of extroverts, conformists, risk takers, adventurers, romantics, leaders, plotters and planners, and those who don’t mind a little healthy competition. If you’re ready to strategize with fellow Canadians living in a house packed with cameras watching your every move, Big Brother Canada wants to hear from you.

“Big Brother has been a top performer on Global for over a decade. Canadians love this format and we are so excited to offer them the chance to participate in the newest edition right here on our own turf,” said Barbara Williams, Senior Vice President of Content, Shaw Media. “By offering applicants the option to apply online and in person, we’re ensuring that no matter where you live, everyone has an opportunity to apply.”

Applicants can either apply online with the option to include a short video proving why they should be chosen to live in the Big Brother Canada house, in person at open casting calls throughout September and October, or can opt to do both. Additional information about open casting call locations will be announced in the coming weeks.

Open casting calls will be held in the following cities on these dates:

Vancouver – September 23

Calgary – September 30

Halifax – October 7

Montreal – October 7

Toronto – October 14

Coming exclusively to Slice winter 2013, similar to the US format, Big Brother Canada will hand pick a diverse group of contestants to live in the Big Brother house outfitted wall to wall with cameras and microphones to capture all the action. Week to week the house guests compete in a series of challenges and vote each other out until one claims victory and takes home the grand prize.